Best Fanless Industrial PCs With Optional WiFi For Embedded Scenarios

If you are looking for the best fanless industrial PCs under $500, look no further. The embedded market for industrial use is vast and our post is not going to cover an exhaustive list for this niche. However, we are only going to list out the ones which are cost-effective, fanless and passively cooled.

Fanless mini form factor industrial PC is pretty handy for professional workplaces. They make zero noise and do not require any substantial space on the work desk. In fact, you can simply mount these mini machines behind your desktop screen. Despite being small in size, these are capable of doing everything an average computer can do. Other than workplaces and offices, these mini computers can be used for personal entertainment, as the multimedia device, set-top box and everything else you can imagine for an average computer. Today, we will be discussing some of the best of these little beasts, and list out their capabilities. So without any further delay, here we bring our list:

Best Fanless Industrial PCs

1. MitX PC D2500CCE:

Based on how it performs, we can call it a big PC in a small enclosure. It is a great mini computer that can be used both as a gateway device or as a simple PC for basic functionalities like web browsing. The only additional cost you will have to bear will be for a good Solid state drive. It supports several types of operating systems, but for a desktops, it will do well with Windows 7 32 bit edition. Following table summarizes all technical details:

2. Shuttle XPC Slim DS67U:

It supports multiple operating systems including most of the current Windows and Linux versions. However, it isn’t officially compatible with Windows 8 but supports windows 8.1. It uses shuttle exclusive cooling module and eliminates the requirement of a fan. It provides great stability and noiseless operations. It comes with solid industry grade capacitors guaranteed with 24/7 stable operation. Following is a quick look at some important technical aspects:

Form Factor

Barebone slim PC, ultra small form factor

Processor

Intel Celeron 3855U Dual-Core Processor

1.6 GHz base clock

Cache Memory

2 MB of L3 cache

RAM

Supports up to 32 GB of DDR3L SDRAM unbuffered memory

Dual channel memory architecture

Expansion Slots

2x SO DIMM 204 pin slots

Card reader, supporting SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards

Storage

1x Serial ATA 600 storage controller channel

Interfaces

[Internal /External]

1x Standard display port

1x HDMI output port

Connectivity

Bluetooth 4.0, Dual band IEEE 802.11 ac/b/g/n

2x Ethernet ports

Intel i219LM and I211 Ethernet Controllers

Realtek RTL8821AE Wireless NIC controller

Audio / Video

Intel HD Graphics

High definition audio with stereo output

Dimension

7.9 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches

Weight

3.15 lbs

Other Features

Ultra low voltage power efficiency

Wake on LAN

PXE support, teaming support

Support / Service

3 years of warranty from the manufacturer with free lifetime technical support

VESA mount compatible with variety of operations

3. ZOTAC ZBOX CI325 NANO UW2B:

Like rest of the products on this list, this one also features passive cooling solution in order to deliver silent performance. It supports and is capable of handling triple display output. Moreover, native 4K output support is another good to have feature. It supports and ships with a VESA mount. The compact palm size design makes it highly portable. It is suitable and powerful enough for both industrial and personal level use. Following is a quick glance at its specifications of this little beast:

Form Factor

Mini PC Form Factor

Processor

Intel Celeron N3160 Quad Core Processor

1.6 GHz base clock

2.24 GHz max turbo speed

Cache Memory

2 MB of installed cache

RAM

4 GB of DDR3L SDRAM at 1600 MHz

Supports up to 8 GB RAM

Expansion Slots

SO DIMM 240 pin slots, 1 Free / 2 total

Internal 2.5” bay, 1 free / 1 total

Storage

32 GB of M.2 Solid state drive

Serial ATA 600 Storage interface controller

Interfaces

[Internal /External]

3 in one card read supporting SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card

1x USB 2.0 port, 1x USB 3.0 port

1x Standard Display Port, 1x HDMI port, 1x VGA port

1x Microphone and serial port

Connectivity

802.11ac Wi-Fi supports wireless LAN

Bluetooth 4.0

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

2x Gigabit Ethernet ports

Audio / Video

Intel HD Graphics

Dimension

5.3 x 5 x 1.5 inches

Weight

1.4 pounds

Other Features

Intel turbo boost technology

VESA mounting kit, wireless antenna

Ultra small form factor

Windows 10 Home 64-bit edition

Support / Service

Full one year of warranty from supplier

4. Qotom Q190N Industrial Fanless Computer:

This little computer can be used as a host, home or office computer, for library or restaurant management or any other place you can imagine where a basic yet powerful computer is required. You can simply use it anywhere without worrying about the environment since it is quite sturdy. Thank the VESA mount compatibility, it can be mounted right on the back of the monitor so your desk will look clean and neat. As far as you are using it for simple windows application use, the performance wouldn’t disappoint you. Have a look at the specs below:

Form Factor

Mini multimedia PC

Processor

Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-core Processor

2 GHz base frequency

2.4 GHz turbo boost frequency

Chipset

Intel NM70 Chipset

Cache Memory

2 MB of installed cache size

RAM

8 GB of DDR3 RAM

No further update possible

Storage

64 GB of MSATA Solid State Drive Storage

Interfaces

[Internal /External]

1x HD video output

1x VGA output port

1x LAN port

3x USB 2.0 Plus 1x USB 3.0 port

1x Speaker port, 1x Microphone port

1x Serial port

Power Connection

DC 12V input port on back

12W, MAX 23W power consumption

Connectivity

2x 300M Wi-Fi antennas

Audio / Video

Intel HD graphics

Realtek ALC 662 high definition audio coded

Dimension

5.3 x 5 x 1.5 inches

Weight

1.4 pounds

Other Features

Pre windows 7 un-activated

Windows and Linux Operating system support

VESA mount included

Support / Service

1 year of full warranty from the supplier

5. Kingdel NC1037U Mini Computer:

It can be used for a variety of applications including a working shop, factory, café, bank, supermarket, reading room computer, call center, etc. The HDMI is a nice addition so that you can easily connect this computer to your HDTV and enjoy the entertainment on the bigger screen; let it be music, movies or games. It simply doesn’t make any noise since it has a fanless layout. Overall, with so many ports, the unit is great for any kind of scenarios. However, you should note that the pre-installed Windows 10 does need to be activated first. Have a quick look at some important aspects:

Form Factor

Fanless industrial minicomputer

Processor

Intel Celeron 1037U Dual-Core processor

1.8 GHz base processing frequency

Cache Memory

2 MB of installed cache memory

RAM

8 GB of DDR3L RAM

Storage

128 GB of mSATA solid state disk storage

Interfaces

[Internal /External]

2x NICs, 2x RJ-45 ports

4x COM RS 232 serial ports

2x audio connectors

1x HDMI port

1x VGA port

4x USB 3.0 ports, 4x USB 2.0 ports

Power Connection

1x 12V DC power input on back panel

Connectivity

Ethernet

Wi-Fi [ships with external Wi-Fi antennas]

Audio / Video

Onboard Intel HD Graphics with up to 1 GHz dynamic frequency

Dimension

8.35 x 5.91 x 2 inches

Weight

3 pounds

Other Features

Preinstalled Windows 10 Pro Edition

22 nm Lithography CPU

Ships with mounting kit and Wi-Fi antennas

Metal case with fanless design

Support / Service

Additional 3 year and 4-year protection plan available with purchase [additional costs]

6. JETWAY HBJC311U93W-2930-B:

Important things first, it does not ship with preinstalled RAM or any SSD/HDD for secondary storage. So, you will have to invest some extra bucks for getting quality RAM kit and SSD for secondary storage. Other than that, there is hardly anything major to worry about. Note that there are two HDMI ports, with which this little PC can handle two displays at 1920 x 1200 resolutions. Following is a quick summarization of all important specifications:

Form Factor

Mini Computer form factor

Processor

Intel Celeron Baytrail N2930 quad-core CPU

1.83 GHz base processing frequency

2.16 GHz boosted frequency

RAM

Supports up to 8 GB of DDR3L memory at 1333 MHz

Expansion Slots

1x 204 pin DDR3L 1333 SO DIMM single channel slot

Storage

1x full size mSATA slot

Interfaces

[Internal /External]

1x RS 232 / 422 / 485 serial COM port

1x USB 3.0, 3x USB 2.0 ports

2x HDMI ports

2x RJ-45 LAN ports

1x Audio line out with SPAM

2x SMA Connectors for Wi-Fi antenna

Power Connection

36W 12V AC adapter for power connection

Connectivity

802.11 b/g/n Dual-band Wi-Fi

Bluetooth 4.0

2x Intel 82583V Gigabit Ethernet

Dual Intel Gigabit LAN

Audio / Video

7th Gen Intel HD graphics

Realtek ALC887 Audio Coded with SPDIF output

Dimension

4.6 x 4.3 x 1.9 inches

Weight

2 pounds

Other Features

Supports dual display up to 1920 x 1200

Embedded Intel Baytrail NUC Barebone CPU

Fanless layout, watchdog timer

Ships with wall mount, VESA mount, and DIN rail mount clip + kit

Support / Service

3 years and 4 years of additional protection purchasable with additional cost

7. Qotom Q190G4 Industrial Fanless Computer:

It supports a variety of operating systems including Windows 7/8/10, Linux and pf-Sense, which makes it suitable for industrial use as well as for commercial, household, personal and office use. The fanless design assists it to deliver silent performance even at peak loads. It is equipped with four LAN ports that can be used for Wi-Fi router, pf-Sense, CentOS for low power consumption. We can imagine this being used as a firewall appliance, IoT gateways etc. It also runs pretty nicely with Sophos XG Firewall. Many people complained about it not having HDMI port. For me, VGA is doing the job pretty nicely. Following table summarizes all important aspects:

Form Factor

Mini Multimedia PC / Mini Computer

Processor

Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-core processor

2 GHz base processing frequency

2.41 GHz boosted frequency

Cache Memory

2 MB of installed cache memory

RAM

8 GB of DDR3 RAM at 1333 / 1600 MHz

No further upgrade possible

Single slot only

Storage

128 GB of M-SATA Solid state drive storage

mSATA SSD/2.5 inch supports up to 256 GB of storage drive

Interfaces

[Internal /External]

4x RJ 45 LAN port

4x USB ports

1x VGA output port

Power Connection

1x DC 12 V power input connector

10 W power consumption

Connectivity

4x Intel I211 AT Gigabit LAN controller

Audio / Video

Onboard Intel HD Graphics

Dimension

5.3 x 5 x 1.5 inches

Weight

1.8 pounds

Other Features

Optional Wi-Fi with USB signal wireless Wi-Fi card

LED indicators for power connection and HDD on front panel

Support / Service

Optional 3 years / 4 years protection available with purchase [additional costs applied]

Conclusion:

We hope you like our article on the best fanless Industrial PC (s) available on the market. Questions and suggestions are welcome in the comment section below.

Disclosure: We are a professional review website that sometimes receive compensation or free units from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.